What Is Browser Plugin?
Extended Definition:
Browser plugins can be of all kinds and their main purpose is to improve your web browser in a way. The most often used browser plugins are add-ons, like ad-blockers, VPNs, proxies and support plugins that serve as converters and any other forms of helpful tools you would otherwise require on your computer. Lately the browser plugins are becoming more and more used as many users find themselves more engaged in their online browsing activities rather than work on their devices on apps that are offline. Example for this could be writing an article in a cloud software, instead of doing it offline and having to upload the files, since doing so in the cloud makes sharing it easier.
In malware, browser plugins can be used for a lot of different purposes, among which most often adware and browser hijackers are involved. These are forms of PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that may come automatically added as such a browser extension and use the permissions granted by your browser, like “Read and change” the data on the websites you visit, for example, to flood your device with different kinds of ads:
- Banners.
- Pop-ups.
- Browser redirect ads.
- Video ads.
- Highlighted text ads.
This may be dangerous for your device and the information in it in multiple ways, including taking you to different dangerous websites, like malware or scam ones since most of these apps are paid to advertise absolutely any kinds of content, without regard to where it leads.
For more definitions, check our Cyber Dictionary.